Thank you Church! Focus on our mission field!

Church,

 I want to thank you for being the kind of church that isn't wrapped up in issues like Mark Driscoll or the 700 Club. We have enough burden to carry dealing with our own community.

 I'm glad no one is asking me my opinion because I don't know enough about what's going on to have anything useful to add I don't really feel the need to learn enough about this issue to form a useful word.

Dave Jackson visited us a few months ago and he said this: "I asked God to break my heart from everything that breaks His heart, and God made it clear to me.. Dave, If I did that you'd be a worthless pile of goo broken beyond repair. I will break your heart for what I'm equipping you to handle. That's enough."

That was brilliant. We don't need to be adopting other peoples issues and starting fires of drama. God has given us so much to do to make disciples and reach the lost in our areas of influence that is where we can focus.

I love you church!

Pastor Mike

Well done my good and faithful servant

Well done my good and faithful servant!  

This is from a parable told by Jesus in Matthew chapter 25.   After some of his servants proved trustworthy their master said "well done good and faithful servant, because you have been faithful with little, I have set you over much".    Regardless of the promise of being "set over much" something inside of me aches to hear "Well done" from God.

One thing that repels me from many Christian movements is that they tend invite people to a life disconnected from the world which we are here to serve.  My deepest desire is to be useful to God.  I want join God in bringing His Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.   I want to be engaged in bringing hope to the struggle of the world and be a constant reminder to people of the hope available in Jesus.  To serve as a conduit for God to love His lost children.  

There are programs, movements, clubs and groups that may be right, good and true, but I'm just not able to see how they are useful.  (Granted it may be my own shortcomings that are stopping me from understanding.)    They are enticing and seem to be lulling people in to a safe bubble of christian community and a spiritual experience seeking culture with no inspiration to send people out to the world and be the light of hope to a hurting world.  

With my growing understanding of who I am in Christ and the directions given to me by scripture,  I just don't see him commanding me to ensure that I have a full social calendar, lots of Christian friends and spend all of my free time with other Christians 'discerning' proper worship styles, bible interpretations and rightly classifying different theologies.   

Now, along the road and on my journey to the ends of the earth to make disciples of Jesus, I am invited to live my life in the spirit of God and along the way, I will experience fellowship, iron sharpening iron, encouragement of a church family, inspiration from sound teaching by someone who loves me.  But to dedicate my time, community, relational energy and identity to a flavor or style of safe and sheltered "christianity", is a complete waste of a great opportunity to shape eternity.    I don't think God would say that I was trustworthy with what he has given me if I am not useful with it.   The rest of that parable in Matthew 25 the servant answered:  "I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground". And the master responded "You wicked and slothful servant".

Don't get me wrong, I value community, healthy theological discussion and worshipful, potluckful christian community.  I absolutely love it!   I need it!  Without those, the journey to disciple making would be difficult, lonely and full of mistakes.    However these "cushioned" environments aren't what makes me more like Jesus.  They are where I go when I am 'afraid and go and hide what I've been trusted with in the ground'.   They don't help God reach the lost, and surely are not a light to the world. (MT 5:14)   Because unless the light is coming to the people who need it and inviting them in, the light is far off, unattainable and provides segregation and no hope whatsoever.   

Matthew 28:18-20  And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

As a Pastor, I pray that those whom I serve will not get wrapped up in the delusion of phony christianity where this is no risk, no sacrifice and no cost.   We have been given the very spirit of the God of the universe!  Jesus reminds us that He has all authority in heaven and earth and he promises to be with us until the end of the age!  So we are to go and make disciples of Jesus.  

I cannot think of any valid excuse that would preclude us from acting on that commission.  Jesus removes the barriers we would have.  "I am with you, I have the authority".  But we so easily elevate our own fears & insecurities overcome our desire to do God's will.  (It was fear that stopped the MT 25 wicked servant from stewarding well) 

 What if we thought of this like Jesus wants Peter to think of it.  

John 21:15-17 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time,“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him,“Feed my sheep.

I've said this many times.  As a father, husband, pastor, friend... I love to see people I love love people I love.    This is true with God.  Jesus says "If you love me, feed my sheep".  

This also sheds light on the great command:  When Jesus was asked, what is the greatest of all of the commands Jesus said: 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” MT 22:36-40

Jesus is telling Peter is the same thing.  If you love me, feed my sheep.  If you love me, then love those I love.   It's also the same as "putting on the mind of Christ" or asking for God to "fill you with His spirit"...  the purpose is always to love others!  All of the gifts and commands of God are designed to help us love each other better. Even the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 are all about how we can love each other better.  

I'm telling you that Bill & Ted (Excellent Adventure) were on to something with the simple mantra "Be excellent to each other".   There's beauty in that simple statement.  

CS Lewis in the Screwtape Letters says it this way:  ... how enslaved they are to the pressure of the ordinary.

We can get wrapped up in a false sense of christian living.  It's time to redefine Christianity not by how much time we spend with like minded people, but by how much time we spend with the hurting and those who need the good news of Jesus.  At the end of the day, THAT is what will make God say  "Well done my good and faithful servant".   That is what my soul I longs to hear from my loving Father.  

Matthew 28:18-20  And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Judgey judge judgerson

But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. (1 Corinthians 5:11 ESV)

It is tempting to tolerate/endorse sin for the sake of acceptance and a false sense of peace.   We need to encourage each other to accept Jesus as Savior AND Lord.  Give everything to Him, even our self-justified sin. 

Paul's statement in this passage not only rings true with God's character but with the practical experience of life.   It is hateful to our brothers to watch them sin and give them to nod of acceptance rather than the sweet, loving & judging word of correction. 

This ONLY applies to those who call themselves your brother.  (Your church family).  Outside of that unity, there's no ground for judgement, because there is not a common agreement as to what the standard should be for basing a judgement.  For those outside the "family" we are to love them without judgement, just like the Christian wouldn't want a Pagan to use their standard of morality to judge him.  God judges, we love.

Stop Going To Church!

The wealthy church goer tends to sit, consume, critique and leave. It's the poor who engage, serve & grow.  It's NOT supposed the be that way! 

^{Matthew 19:16-26} 

And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”  When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”  But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

That last verse is the hinge on which the eternal security of the wealthy swings.  It is God's will that ALL enter his Kingdom and we are all called to be "with God".  So it's not supposed to be this way for the rich person.  

Ephesians 4:12 - to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ

If you're not using your gifts and talents to be on Mission with a church, all you're doing is consuming goods and services.  STOP GOING TO CHURCH, and start living and breathing the mission of your church in community with the others in your church.  There is no such thing as "better worship, or better preaching" in the Kingdom of God.  I promise you this; you will not stand before God at the end of your life and hear the question "Did you choose to go consume the best music and preaching in town on Sundays?".  You will be standing before God and He will be looking behind you to see all of the disciples of Jesus who are following you.

I am not a gifted performer.  I am called and equipped to equip you and to be your Pastor not your performer.  At night, I dream about shepherding you in to a dangerously close relationship with Jesus Christ where you can taste His love for you and it compels you to do something completely selfless with your life.  (Like sell everything you have and give to the poor.)

For some of you, this is a literal command.  Not because the poor have need.  But because you are finding comfort in your wealth, not your God and that is stopping you from experiencing the Kingdom of Heaven right now!  

So many christians read the latest "Extreme Christianity" book about living radical lives as a true Follower of Jesus and hide behind the self righteousness of criticizing the "Church" for being so benign.  If you claim Jesus you ARE the church.  So stop critiquing sermon quality and worship quality and engage with the mission of the church.

If you are going to church and are not on mission with that church, you are consuming a valuable parking space, seat, coffee and friendship that is intended for a potential co-missionary in that church.  You're actually hurting the church by claiming Jesus and not engaging in mission. STOP GOING TO CHURCH AND START BEING THE CHURCH!

It's not time for the Church to step up and be better Christians.  It's time for Christians to step up and be a better Church!

God believes in us that we can bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth.  He believes in us that we can make disciples of ALL NATIONS!  He believes in us that we can bring peace in the brokenness.  He doesn't put His hope in YOU.  He puts His hope in US!  His Church!  WE can do this! He LOVES US!  But for some of us, we need to sell everything we have so we can put God in His place on the throne of our life!

Join the mission of your church!

Pastor Mike

(a thought... before you point a finger remember, if you are reading this, that means you have access to the internet, a computer or a smart phone.  That likely condemns you as in the top 2% in world wealth.)

Prayer and Fasting Jan 2014

We are in to day two of our week of prayer and fasting.  Although Fasting is never commanded in the Bible, it is continuously referenced as something that is good, beneficial and spiritually refreshing for us to do.  

From my experience, I also recommend that fasting be part of our regular routines.  For me, I'm fasting from food, eating only fruits and vegetables (Which, apparently, is a food group that I forgot existed)    

However, the spirit of fasting is to deny yourself something so you can listen to and hear God.    I like to think of it as reminding myself that my soul is what leads me, not my flesh.  You see, we eat to satisfy our bodily desire for food, so we choose the foods that satisfy our tastebuds and our immediate desire for sugar, salt or fat.   What if we ate to fuel our bodies so we could do the work God has set before us in the best way possible?  What if our motivation for life was listening to what our spirit was telling us to do, not just reacting to what our flesh is telling us it wants.    

The very nature of following Jesus is to deny yourself and pick up your cross.   (Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.)

This is the essence of what Jesus meant in Matthew 4:4  when he declared to His tempter. - "But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

We have a higher calling that just satisfying our flesh.  We have a calling to live Holy lives, completely submitted to God.  In that way we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice.  As Paul says to the Romans in Chapter 12 verse 1:
I urge your Corvallis Church to come together tonight at 6pm at Crossroads Christian Fellowship on the corner of Highland and Walnut as we gather for a time of worship and guided prayer. 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship.

I hope to see you then, until then, let us rejoice in our fast as every moment of the fast we are declaring that God is truly calling the shots in our life.  As we lay down our own desires and selfish pursuits, we are placing God in the right place, as Lord.  

See you tonight!

Pastor Mike

New Year, New Risks, New Rewards

As I reflect on 2013, it was a wonderfully fulfilling and sometimes painful year for me, my staff and my family. But one thing we know. We grew to be more like Jesus in 2013!

And, like any hard fought battle, 2013 has taken it's toll.  Lately, I've been struggling with the issue of transparency and vulnerability.  Those two things just seem to invite pain, don't they?  I think part of my issue comes down to confusing my calling with my identity. I am a Pastor by calling.  I am a Follower of Jesus, dependent upon God's grace, as my identity.   Those may not seem conflicting to some, but there is a constant tension inside of me to not make my calling, my identity.

Over the past few months, I have become a temporary introvert.  And not in a good way that says: "God wired me as an introvert, so I will embrace that as my gifting and seek to use that to advance God's kingdom".    More in a way that says:  "I'm so tired of being vulnerable that I'm not going to be transparent with anyone anymore!"

As a Pastor, I am asked to get involved in deep and difficult struggles.  The nature of this calling requires that I give a part of my heart.  I love honestly and my prayers are filled with compassion.  Which means I sacrifice in order to help, and I love enough to have difficult conversations.  And as you've probably experienced, many people don't respond to caring concern with humility and kindness.   I think anyone who has been in a close relationship with another human being for any period of time will testify:  we are not always trustworthy with each other's heart.  

What has resulted is that I've been holding back in my calling.  Out of self-protection and self-preservation I've been struggling with withholding my heart in the daily work of Pastoring.  To be fair, I have had beautiful moments of clarity and deep meaningful ministry opportunities and I don't think I've sinned and I don't think that it is bad to retreat for a time of healing. But, candidly, 2012-2013 kinda kicked my butt and I needed some space.  

I took a week away with family to reflect, dream and pray about 2014.  As I prayed, wept and rejoiced about 2013, God gave me a personal invitation as I was reading my bible.   

"Trust me with your heart!"

After revealing God's plan of salvation and encouraging the disciples that in their calling, their struggle would soon turn to joy, Jesus says in John 16:33:

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

I may have peace in God's calling.  I can continue to risk and invite close relationships!   I can put my heart out there in my preaching.  I can put myself out there and invest in people, and I can trust God, knowing full well that there will be tribulation.  There WILL be hurt and pain and disappointment. I will let people down, people will let me down.  In all of that, God is inviting me to peace.

So I'm forced to ask myself:  "Do I really trust God enough to keep putting myself out there?  Do I really believe Jesus' promise that "in Him I may have peace" because He has "overcome the world"?"

This first day of 2014 I can declare that I do believe!  I can keep investing personally in the lives of the people God brings in to my life.  I do believe that God wants me to let my heart break for people's hurts and let my soul be transformed by his presence in the midst of the struggles.   I do believe that as I trust God to tear down my walls of self preservation that I may have peace!  I do believe, God!!... (help my unbelief! Mark 9:24) 

So for 2014, for the sake of fulfilling my calling as Pastor the best I can, I choose to believe Jesus' words and I choose peace... and as I do this look what happens... 

Phil 4:7 - And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My heart is guarded!  I can trust Him with my heart!